Question: When Can Debt Collectors Call
Answer: Debt collectors seem to call at the most inconvenient times, don't they? Actually, anytime someone calls asking for money is an inconvenience. There's nothing pleasant about being pressed to pay a bill, especially when you can't afford it.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets guidelines for when debt collectors can call:
- They can call between 8am and 9pm, your local time
- They can call you at work if they do not know your employer disapproves
- They can call you once more after receiving a cease and desist letter
What about weekends and holidays? Fortunately, many businesses, including collection agencies, are closed on weekends and holidays. Although the FDCPA doesn't specifically state which days of the week collectors can and cannot call, it does state that collectors cannot communicate with you during times "which should be known to be inconvenient."
If a collector calls at a bad time, simply say, "This is not a convenient time" and let them know specifically what time is convenient.
